Nutrition for Healthy Skin

At my wellness clinic I’m often asked which products are going to make my clients look 10 years younger, zap spots or smooth wrinkles. As a Nutritional Therapist, I know that the secret to great skin comes from within.

Skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, premature wrinkles and rosacea may be caused by imbalances in the microbiome, that is, the delicate balance of the microorganisms that live within us and the overall health of our digestive system. Improvement in the balance of the microbiome, digestive healing, elimination of processed foods and reduction in stress may all help to restore this delicate balance and in turn, improve skin health. A Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist can tailor a ‘digestive balance’ plan suitable for each individual’s needs, but here are some of my top general tips for creating radiance from within.

Optimise omegasOmega 3 fats are required for the flexibility of the skin cells, and help with inflammatory skin conditions. Unfortunately our average western diet is much higher in the pro-inflammatory fats. Correct the balance by including high omega 3 foods in the diet such as wild or line caught oily fish, flaxseed, flax oil, and my personal favourite skin food, avocado.

Cut out the sugarRefined sugars and simple carbohydrates promote the production of Advanced Glycation End Products, shortened quite aptly to AGEs. These AGEs make collagen inflexible and also create free radical damage to the skin cells. By eliminating refined sugars and processed simple carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta, your client can go a long way towards promoting healthy collagen production and great looking skin.

Protect telomeresEach time a cell replicates, part of the chromosome called the telomere shortens and this relates to cellular ageing. Eating a diet rich in a rainbow of organic vegetables and fruits can help provide nutrients, phytonutrients and antioxidants known to protect the telomere from shortening. Vitamin D is especially protective for telomere health so moderate sun exposure may be beneficial. Spices such as turmeric are highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. So your clients can thank you for spicing up their life with nutritional therapy!

By Jacklyn Coldwell-Collins for CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).

Jacklyn Coldwell-Collins is a co-founder of Therapy Organics wellness clinic in Wilmslow, and trained as a Nutritional Therapist with CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) so she could educate and empower her clients to be at their best, using the healing power of foods. CNM offers training in a wide range of natural health therapies, from locations across the UK, Ireland, South Africa and the USA. Visit www.naturopathy-uk.com